Karl Sessions Barton was born on October 2, 1942 to Clyde and Nina Barton and passed away December 4, 2011 in Bluff, UT.

Karl spent his early years at the ranch in Verdure. He loved all the animals and especially loved being with his dad and grandpa.

When Karl was just six, his family moved to Monticello, where he lived until 2008 when he moved to Bluff.

After graduating from high school, he attended BYU for one year, then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. Upon returning from his mission, he completed his degree in Range Management and Animal Science at BYU.

On August 6, 1965, he married LaRue Helquist in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the proud parents of four daughters, Kassie (Curtis) Welch, Karla (Jim) Eberling and Wendy (Ben) Crane, all of Monticello, and Stacy (Stewart) Black of Price, UT.

Karl learned from a very early age to work hard and spent time working for Gary Crowley Construction, Lyman Truck Line, San Juan County and Sonderegger, Inc., at the same time, keeping the ranch going.

Karl loved riding his mule and seeing the beautiful canyons and mountains of San Juan County. When asked why he didn’t go see the ocean or the redwoods, he said he couldn’t until he had seen all there was to see here at home.

Karl was always willing to accept any Church calling and served faithfully until he was called home.

Karl is preceded in death by his father and mother and a younger brother, David. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, four daughters, their husbands, 20 grandchildren, and his sister, Barbara Callister of Delta, UT.

Card of thanks

The family wishes to express the gratitude they feel for all the love and compassion shown to them at this time. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such great friends.

The San Juan Record welcomes comments on our stories. Please be civil, respectful, focused and humane. Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at the discretion of sjrnews.com